What Is A Short Fielder In Softball?

Competitive softball gives the defense the opportunity to play with 10 players in the field. In most cases in the modern game, the extra fielder in softball plays in the outfield. That allows four players to divide the outfield equally. However, the coach can position the fourth fielder anywhere she wants as long as the player is in fair territory. The extra fielder can be stationed 10 to 15 feet behind second base. When the fielder is stationed in this area, she is called the short fielder.

Extra Infielder

The short field position can be advantageous when a team has accomplished fielders who can get to hard hit balls up the middle and keep them from getting through for base hits. When the short fielder is positioned right behind second base, he can get to balls that would be difficult for the second baseman or shortstop to reach. The short fielder must position himself on the balls of his feet so he can move aggressively and make plays by throwing out base runners.

Fourth Outfielder

When you are facing an opponent with an abundance of strong hitters who have a tendency to hit the ball into the gaps, drop the short fielder into the deep outfield so your outfielder has greater coverage. Instead of three outfielders and a short fielder, you have four outfielders. With this formation you usually play your outfielders deep and concede the single but try to prevent extra base hits.

Game-Winning Situation

Your team may face an opponent who puts the winning run on third base with less that two outs. You have to play to cut off the run. You do this by playing your short fielder in the infield, near second base. If a left-handed batter comes to the plate, position her to the first base side of second base and if a right-handed hitter comes up, play her on the third-base side. This will allow your short fielder to get to a ball in the infield and throw the ball home before the game-winning run can score.

Negatives With Short Fielder

Most coaches will use the short fielder as an extra outfielder. When you position the short fielder slightly behind the second baseman, it may be viewed as a message of disrespect to your opponent. You are saying that you don't think that team's batters can hit the ball into the gaps on a regular basis. This may fire up your opponents when they see the positioning of the extra outfielder. You will also lose coverage in the outfield. The left fielder, center fielder and right fielder will have more pressure as a result of having to cover the area with three fielders instead of four.